I figured this would be an interesting topic. I just started getting a few lasered and like the finish way more than waterslide decals.
(http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj545/haveyouseenhim/DBDLASER_zps79864923.jpg)
Very nice, Mike. 8)
I am not sure where to start with this one.
And that does look good, Mike. Was that a single pass or multiple passes?
Ok, I'll post an old one I don't think I've posted here before.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/pickdropper/Guitar%20Pedals/Subgenius1-1.jpg)
Quote from: pickdropper on July 31, 2013, 04:53:36 PM
And that does look good, Mike. Was that a single pass or multiple passes?
It was two passes at full power. (30W laser I believe)
I guess I doesn't like the Testors lacquer. I like how it looks like anodized aluminum because it couldn't get it all off.
Yeah, I get that same effect with PPP Hammertone green. I kind of dig it actually.
that's it....i can't take it anymore...as you can see i haven't got a towel to throw in......beep.......................................................................
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7464107/46e1fa3ce5c108230c3e26c6ecac9449.jpg)
cool etches guys... 8) 8) 8)
Whoa wait a goddam minute you mean to say its possible to laser etch Painted aluminium boxs?
Do i need a specific paint? and or undercoat?
When i asked my bruv in law to laser etch me some boxs he said it was not possible to etch alumium as it was too shiney and the laser would reflect back at itself.
Very cool boxs guys I'm loving these.
You can actually laser etch bare aluminum, but you need the right lasers. They are expensive and not as common.
A CO2 laser (more common) works fantastically with painted surfaces. I've said a few times that I far prefer etching powder coated finishes to painted, but I've done both.
AFAIK, the reason you can't etch bare aluminum with a CO2 laser is that they simply aren't powerful enough to dig itp the surface.
For bare aluminum, you can laser mark them. You apply a coating to the aluminum and then hit it with the laser, which fuses it to the aluminum substrate, permanently marking it.
Awesome, Hope you know you guys are killing me! I'm working on buying a 40watt laser engraver for home now. Not sure when but maybe sooner then later! I was talkn to a guy that might be able to get me a good price on it. I'd like to use it for a ton of different things though not just engraving pedals. Can cut stencil's for airbrushing and rubber stamps tons of stuff , I've been doing some research on it so if this comes through, and I can get one cheap I can put all my cad skills to more use :D
Thanks for the inspiration and possibly putting me in debit guys hahaha :D
Quote from: Mustachio on August 01, 2013, 12:49:15 AM
Awesome, Hope you know you guys are killing me! I'm working on buying a 40watt laser engraver for home now. Not sure when but maybe sooner then later! I was talkn to a guy that might be able to get me a good price on it. I'd like to use it for a ton of different things though not just engraving pedals. Can cut stencil's for airbrushing and rubber stamps tons of stuff , I've been doing some research on it so if this comes through, and I can get one cheap I can put all my cad skills to more use :D
Thanks for the inspiration and possibly putting me in debit guys hahaha :D
If it is a Chinese build machine, there are a few things to watch out for:
1.) That you can get replacement parts. The laser tubes are consumable, so make sure you can get replacements years down the road. You can buy an extra when you buy the machine, but I believe they age as they sit, so it is not as ideal as buying one when you need it.
2.) Carefully research how their drivers work. That is usually the weakness of a lot of the Chinese machines, but there are exceptions. For example, I always use Adobe Illustrator. Some of the cheaper machines won't accept that file, so I would be SOL. If it only takes JPEG and GIF, it's worthless, IMHO. To do laser engraving right, it absolutely must accept vector files. Corel Draw is common and will work fine, even though that isn't what I personally use. The best way is if the laser engraver is setup as a standard printer (like the Epilog machines). Then you can print to it from many different programs.
Just finished the final assembly.
(http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj545/haveyouseenhim/finishedDBD_zpscfcbbfbd.jpg)
Quote from: haveyouseenhim on August 01, 2013, 09:01:55 AM
Just finished the final assembly.
(http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj545/haveyouseenhim/finishedDBD_zpscfcbbfbd.jpg)
Quote from: me on July 31, 2013, 04:22:33 PM
Very nice, Mike.
Even nicer! 8) And very
blue.
Quote from: pickdropper on August 01, 2013, 12:07:33 AM
You can actually laser etch bare aluminum, but you need the right lasers. They are expensive and not as common.
A CO2 laser (more common) works fantastically with painted surfaces. I've said a few times that I far prefer etching powder coated finishes to painted, but I've done both.
which would be the right laser for this appllication please
Quote from: Kipper4 on August 04, 2013, 12:35:22 PM
Quote from: pickdropper on August 01, 2013, 12:07:33 AM
You can actually laser etch bare aluminum, but you need the right lasers. They are expensive and not as common.
A CO2 laser (more common) works fantastically with painted surfaces. I've said a few times that I far prefer etching powder coated finishes to painted, but I've done both.
which would be the right laser for this appllication please
Since you quoted the part about bare metal and about C02 laser, I am not exactly certain which one you are asking about, so I'll do my best to answer both./
YAG lasers are used for actually engraving into metal. Their wavelength is shorter, so they can't engrave as many materials.
CO2 lasers can engrave metal if it is painted, powder coated or anodized, but can't dig into the metal itself. It can permanently mark a bare surface if it is treated with a marking coating. This marking material is fused to the surface when the laser hits it.
You can read a bit about it here:
http://www.epiloglaser.com/tl_yaginfo.htm
Great stuff now i can ask my bruv in law more details about there laser machine and be confident i will understand the response a little better thanks Dave
Today I had some boxes powder coated at a place that powder coats large farm equipment. Then I took it to a different engraving shop than I normally do. This shop has a BABE running the machine(I couldn't help but flirt with her ;D ). Lasered on an Epilog Mini. It turned out pretty dang good. The powder coat was thick so it gave some nice depth to the lasering.
(http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj545/haveyouseenhim/DSC08970_zpsf9e76da7.jpg)
(http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj545/haveyouseenhim/DSC08972_zps36a2a3ef.jpg)
^ nice and crisp mike, ...and a babe bonus too...so i guess we'll see a lot more from you now.. ;D ;)
(http://www.visionn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/packers-dont-throw-in-the-towel1-1.jpeg)
Laser-etched towel, of course... ;)
;D
don't worry marc, us etchers will be regarded as retro soon... 8)
I need to catch up fast. I'm still painting, fer crissakes...
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/07/Lascaux2.jpg) ;D
ahhh so you've gone back to the old boutique painting methods of grinding down stones, mixing with water , and spitting it over your pedals...
nice klon centaur btw... :D
ok guys... this is not fair.... ;)
...for people like me who, at the 10th attempt to etch my small "logo" on a piece of aluminum (before to get to enclosure etching...) gave up :icon_redface: :icon_redface: and I, too, throw my towel!!
(yet,I can do PCB etching quite good... )
.... at least name your price!!! ;D
Ciao!
Quote from: haveyouseenhim on February 04, 2014, 10:39:04 PM
This shop has a BABE running the machine
Prove it!
Gut shots ;D :icon_eek:
Quote from: haveyouseenhim on February 04, 2014, 10:39:04 PM
Today I had some boxes powder coated at a place that powder coats large farm equipment. Then I took it to a different engraving shop than I normally do. This shop has a BABE running the machine(I couldn't help but flirt with her ;D ). Lasered on an Epilog Mini. It turned out pretty dang good. The powder coat was thick so it gave some nice depth to the lasering.
(http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj545/haveyouseenhim/DSC08970_zpsf9e76da7.jpg)
(http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj545/haveyouseenhim/DSC08972_zps36a2a3ef.jpg)
That looks good. I suspect it'll look even better if you take some flux remover or isopropyl alcohol to it. Since it is powder coated, it should be able to take it. I clean every etch I do this way.
I just finished the final assembly.
(http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj545/haveyouseenhim/DSC08986_zpsaa2fd004.jpg)
(http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj545/haveyouseenhim/DSC08990_zpsf26f2cd8.jpg)
(http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj545/haveyouseenhim/DSC08989_zpsaa431e6f.jpg)
(http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj545/haveyouseenhim/DSC08992_zpseacdcc05.jpg)
That came together real well Mike, looks great!
What do people charge for those two services, the powder coating and laser etching?
dave
Quote from: davent on February 05, 2014, 06:09:36 PM
That came together real well Mike, looks great!
What do people charge for those two services, the powder coating and laser etching?
dave
Thank you. I like to hear that from the guys with the killer work. :)
Too much..... I'll order powder coated boxes next time. I only did it this way because I already drilled the box, and it was the best solution at the time. Two boxes cost me 20 to coat. It was $10 for the laser etching.
@Mike
2 questions......
- What is it?
- Where's the laser babe? ;D
Quote from: Govmnt_Lacky on February 05, 2014, 07:37:56 PM
@Mike
2 questions......
- What is it?
- Where's the laser babe? ;D
It is the orange smoothie compressor by GGBB.
She's a laser tard now. She made the process WAY harder than it needed to be. Yesterday she let me into the back of the shop to do the back plate. Today, on the other hand, I was banned from going back there ??? >:( So it was a game of back and forth till it was right.
Maybe she didn't want to smell that extra splash of High Karate! :icon_lol:
Quote from: haveyouseenhim on February 05, 2014, 08:18:21 PM
Yesterday she let me into the back of the shop to do the back plate.
never heard it called that.... ;)
awesome build mike..looks great. 8)
I posted more pics in the pictures thread, but this is a good shot showing etching texture:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/pickdropper/Guitar%20Pedals/DualFunction3_zps89f4c4c9.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/pickdropper/media/Guitar%20Pedals/DualFunction3_zps89f4c4c9.jpg.html)
This one needed a LOT of cleaning. Total PITA.
I've just started laser etching mine, much prefer it over waterslides! Here is a couple of my ones, the AM radio is coated in antique gold powder coat. It's fast becoming one of my favourite finishes. The fuzzy head just needs the circuit tinkered with, but it's all done and in the box.
It's a shame laser etching is so expensive here though, most places want £15-20 a box!!!!! I've just joined a community place so I can use their laser cutter machine as much as I like for a set monthly fee.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/08/ajyhyre4.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/08/aha7a3yj.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/08/y2edeze2.jpg)
Very cool. What determines the colour of the etched area? Some of the lettering is bare metal, others look coloured.
Quote from: electrosonic on February 07, 2014, 04:39:59 PM
Very cool. What determines the colour of the etched area? Some of the lettering is bare metal, others look coloured.
Personally, I leave mine as bare metal, but some people do paint in the etched area.
I did one as a test, with a ultra blue powder coat, and a copper powder coat over it and the etched area looks blue. It looks good, but not sure if I would do it again though.
Quote from: haveyouseenhim on February 04, 2014, 10:39:04 PM
I took it to a different engraving shop than I normally do.
Aha! I didn't even think of this... engraving shops... hmm... Do you give them a file? What specs?
Quote from: therealfindo on February 08, 2014, 03:23:27 AM
Quote from: haveyouseenhim on February 04, 2014, 10:39:04 PM
I took it to a different engraving shop than I normally do.
Aha! I didn't even think of this... engraving shops... hmm... Do you give them a file? What specs?
Yea. It's just a trophy shop I go to. I'm not sure what file type they use. I just show them what goes where and we draw it up together. As for my 'logo' ::) I have it as a PDF and they convert it.
Quote from: therealfindo on February 08, 2014, 03:23:27 AM
Aha! I didn't even think of this... engraving shops... hmm... Do you give them a file? What specs?
Varies. I found a few that wanted PDF, but the one I used wanted CDR
Quote from: stevie1556 on February 08, 2014, 04:33:24 AM
Quote from: therealfindo on February 08, 2014, 03:23:27 AM
Aha! I didn't even think of this... engraving shops... hmm... Do you give them a file? What specs?
Varies. I found a few that wanted PDF, but the one I used wanted CDR
Yeah, some are OK with PDF, some Adobe Illustrator and some Corel Draw (seems to be most common). The crucial part is that it is a vector file. If they want to etch a JPG or some other raster file, go somewhere else as you probably won't be happy with the results.
i'm shared a few of these most of these but thought it would be good to re-share here to highlight what a laser can do. all done with an epilog co2 laser.
edit: i also use it to make my pcbs and plates
(http://www.dazatronyx.com/gallery/shaun-shroom-girl.jpg)
(http://www.dazatronyx.com/gallery/aztec-chick.jpg)
(http://www.dazatronyx.com/gallery/blue-meanie.jpg)
(http://www.dazatronyx.com/gallery/deluxe-memory-man.jpg)
(http://www.dazatronyx.com/gallery/pink-muff.jpg)
(http://www.dazatronyx.com/gallery/psych-fuzz-machine.jpg)
(http://www.dazatronyx.com/gallery/professor-boogie.jpg)
(http://www.dazatronyx.com/img/tsuchi-fuzz-small.jpg)
(http://www.dazatronyx.com/img/optical-tremolo.jpg)
(http://www.dazatronyx.com/img/fetish-booster.jpg)
(http://www.dazatronyx.com/img/fetish-buffer.jpg)
(http://www.dazatronyx.com/img/germanium-amplifier.jpg)
sorry for the overload!!!!
Those all look great, Darren.
You and I must have used the same artwork for the DMM. Mine looks identical.
The Tsuchi Fuzz font really gets me going as does the MASSIVE led haha
I really love the aesthetics!
Quote from: pickdropper on March 14, 2014, 10:27:35 AM
Those all look great, Darren.
You and I must have used the same artwork for the DMM. Mine looks identical.
cheers :)
yeah my friend found a PDF i think on the net. so i reckon it would be the same
Quote from: wildebelor on March 21, 2014, 06:05:51 AM
The Tsuchi Fuzz font really gets me going as does the MASSIVE led haha
I really love the aesthetics!
thanks, the fonts are Fortunaschwein and Bauhaus
Quote from: darron on March 13, 2014, 06:03:08 AM
all done with an epilog co2 laser.
edit: i also use it to make my pcbs and plates
Please educate! I'd like to know how you do pcbs?
(http://i.imgur.com/pASagKz.jpg)
Quote from: alparent on March 25, 2014, 05:40:08 PM
Quote from: darron on March 13, 2014, 06:03:08 AM
all done with an epilog co2 laser.
edit: i also use it to make my pcbs and plates
Please educate! I'd like to know how you do pcbs?
Sorry. I didn't see the post until now...
I just spray the boards with some paint first:
http://youtu.be/a8tTVtUCNnY?t=1m33s (@ 1:33)
I guess these could go here.
Armada Nitrogen laser, 3003 aluminum, 1/16" sheet
Prototypin'
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3932/15344904560_d8683bfd62_b.jpg)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3953/14910231833_edda0b75a8_b.jpg)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15530425025_09b0dd792f_b.jpg)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3927/14910233503_9b505be2a2_b.jpg)
Well, I found another thread I want to be a part of .... :icon_mrgreen:
so, you building a steel guitar?
if you'd told me this afternoon that panel work could be exciting and fun, as well as dangerous, I would have larffed at you. and asked you why you were in our garage.
Not to hijack this complete forum, but is there anywhere I can follow this build? Looks awesome!
Quote from: Mac Walker on October 17, 2014, 05:36:02 PM
I guess these could go here.
Armada Nitrogen laser, 3003 aluminum, 1/16" sheet
Prototypin'
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3932/15344904560_d8683bfd62_b.jpg)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3953/14910231833_edda0b75a8_b.jpg)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15530425025_09b0dd792f_b.jpg)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3927/14910233503_9b505be2a2_b.jpg)
^ Thanks, basically I have access to a government subsidized manufacturing/training center. I am trying to get a feel for what I can do with the machine. Unfortunately I have most of these bent up already, without any documentation, but feel free to ask me whatever, I think there's plenty of space.....or Pm me otherwise
What machines are you guys using to etch the powder coat? You think one of the cheap eBay machines from China would do?
Here is my first pedal of 2015, which I call the "Vapor Ray" which is inspired by another very expensive "ray" pedal.
Features matte black powdercoat which I did myself, laser engraved artwork, a couple rullywow.com PCBs, detour optical bypass, and aluminum knobs. Very usable overdrive, and I am loving the bypass scheme (no popping).
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/02/daf62427e033eb3123c737970973519c.jpg)
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/02/e22092c89a6ef67c2fb7e96cc9a55a81.jpg)
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/02/47311245af6ce8a6e81bcb4ee4c27b30.jpg)
should post these here as they are laser relevant.
this was done with the laser and powder coating:
(http://www.dazatronyx.com/optical-tremolo/dazatronyx-optical-tremolo-large.jpg)
this one is lasered and then the artwork recess filled with gold:
(http://www.dazatronyx.com/gallery/gold-tsuchi-fuzz.jpg)
Nice pedals. Nice bit of wood underneath, too. :)
I completely forgot this thread existed, but I just spent the last several minutes (in the middle of my chemistry class :P) going back and looking at everything and drooling. It also reminded me that I drove past a small "custom engraving" shop in town the other day that I now want to check into asking about doing some enclosures. 8)
Here is a laser etched Pop Sizer (Soda Meiser) built off a rullywow.com PCB
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/15/ad7f16e8fc0810f2e30e02c8d4c05a2c.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/15/d29e2abc47940fadfe63aeb341745443.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/15/36ce8ff5b64c682c4d208929e6bd6719.jpg)
posted these in the 'pictures!' thread too, but they were done with the CO2 laser:
old artwork, but the finish was interesting:
dormant purple base coat, engraved dark background image, white powder coat for text fill, final clear powder coat:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/10489845_1041099005940509_7603878105895278768_n.jpg?oh=6c00e9f54516f3d61bc0255e8c804083&oe=570A5F92&__gda__=1456801554_f4d706c8dc12c62b4df77f1566d92b04)
another one with candy green powder coat and black powder fill:
(https://scontent-syd1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10644875_1041097699273973_4285925190562744878_n.jpg?oh=45a1bf1e9d47e37699cad994669b05d6&oe=57074ADD)
Darron, how you make to paint over the etche? Very good your pedals.
Hi Darron. How do you achieve those finishes using the laser? Looks great!
Quote from: Sleepless Matt on January 11, 2016, 02:16:50 PM
Hi Darron. How do you achieve those finishes using the laser? Looks great!
thanks. sorry i missed the questions until now. i posed a similar response in the regular pictures! thread.
first it's powder coated for the base colour. and then a couple of medium coats of clear powder coat just not he top. don't spray too much clear at once or it will cloud up, so 10 mins in the oven min between. then engrave down to the metal at the bottom and fill it the fill powder colour. wipe off as much excess with a squeegee as you can, and use a wet rag for the real excess. especially if you have anything near the corers or edges because sanding them is very dangerous later, you might sand through the base colour.
bake it and sand off and over-fill. then give it one final coat of powder clear.
i think that's about it. the principal is there anyway. if anybody does something similar please let me know because i haven't seen anything playing around like this yet.
for the purple one, the black text was just a very low power setting to mark the powder. a lot of powders i've found will change colour when marked and then have the clear powder applied on top.
Thanks for the explanation. I have be given a semi permanent loan of an 80W laser and I am experimenting with different options for tube amp face plates.
Quote from: Sleepless Matt on January 11, 2016, 10:02:08 PM
Thanks for the explanation. I have be given a semi permanent loan of an 80W laser and I am experimenting with different options for tube amp face plates.
the laser plastics are almost perfect there. you can cut all the hardware holes of course in the same job. i used to work for Ulbrick amps where he engraved 3mm acrylic and lit it up with an LED.
Not nearly as pretty as the Dazatronyx stuff (simply amazing colors ad graphic on those!)
White powder coat, laser etch, black back fill.... nothing fancy ;D
Here's what it sounds like too
(http://lawrencepetrossdesign.weebly.com/uploads/3/1/4/1/31412717/541090_orig.jpg)
(http://lawrencepetrossdesign.weebly.com/uploads/3/1/4/1/31412717/1482448_orig.jpg)
Very nice stuff Groovenut! I really loved it! I want one on my pedalboard! Hahahahaha ;D
Dragging an old one up but I'm looking for a co2 laser for doing powder coat etch, would this one do the job and has anyone got experience with this particular machine?
Much thanks in advance
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172119805976
Quote from: Mgt280y on June 30, 2016, 07:35:12 AM
Dragging an old one up but I'm looking for a co2 laser for doing powder coat etch, would this one do the job and has anyone got experience with this particular machine?
Much thanks in advance
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172119805976
hey. i was going to reply to your PM, but maybe it would be good to open a (tiny) discussion on the hardware people use here too. i'm interested too actually.
i believe people are using setups like that here. i was originally looking at buying something similar. bang for buck, if it works and then dies that i guess you can get another one.
i'm using an epilog mini 18 (18x12"). it's only 25W, so it doesn't look like wattage of 40W would be a problem. assuming you get a similar sort of effect per-watt from each.
i don't want to sound like i'm rubbing it in, but people ask me a lot - the system i have was AU$20,000. So I'm assuming results may vary and I can't really comment on the cheap Chinese ones yet. My guess is that for a hobby level it might be good to test the waters, but if you're building pedals daily then it might be less fun.
another cost was the exhaust extraction, but that's only $100-$200 from a hardware shop. Mine is 750W. it's not so much to stop you breathing in the fumes, but to suck the smokes out ASAP before they get a chance to land on the mirrors. for me replacing the mirrors is VERY expensive. when i see the tiny fans on the chinese models it shows me they don't care about this, so maybe not expecting long service. even replacing the laser tube costs thousands so again it's funny to compare.
the vids showing the chinese machines in action look okay? i can say, with this machine the accuracy is very good. you could literally run the same job 1000x and not have any variation or see a pixel a tiny bit out. it's also VERY fast so that might be something you'd be happy to sacrifice. who cares how long it takes if it's for a hobby?
hopefully somebody else with a similar machine can give input and personal results :D
well, the epilog has been going with MUCH abuse and without professional servicing (i've been doing it) since 2005. so i'd highly recommend it for industry work. i've replaced a few mirrors and just recently had the mother board blow up, which i repaired myself (this issue was fixed many revisions ago however).
i like to tell people, it won't solve all of your problems. i use the laser in "SOME WAY" to put on all of my artwork, but it's often a work around with filling powders or maybe making a plate etc. most colour won't look the best engraved because you can get the dull-grey metal colour underneath and not enough contrast for the image to look nice. i also use if for making my circuit boards, but it won't etch directly into copper. so i spray paint them and engrave the paint as a negative and still use acid.
Hi thanks for the reply, I'm really tempted as for the price if it works on a hobby level and gives good result it's a winner and I guess upgrading parts my be an option long term if needed, I'm hoping someone has/is using one to offer some experience thanks
should post this here too. artwork done with an epilog CO2 laser.
https://scontent-syd1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13613404_1166483610068714_4606693295780465868_o.jpg (https://scontent-syd1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13613404_1166483610068714_4606693295780465868_o.jpg)
another one with powder coating and co2 laser etching for the fill:
(https://scontent-syd1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13769373_1181216165262125_5014682656014816999_n.jpg?oh=b2650481cc1de3f2858433eef32ea65c&oe=58197BDE)
(https://scontent-syd1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13613404_1166483610068714_4606693295780465868_o.jpg)
i put down clear powder on the top, before the black. so there residue left from the bottom layer is invisible. surface just brushed with a rough grit random orbital sand.
scrambler clone:
(http://www.dazatronyx.com/scrambled/dazatronyx-scrambled.jpg)
(http://www.dazatronyx.com/scrambled/dazatronyx-scrambled-guts.jpg)
Darron, I've said it before and I'll say it again; I'm a huge fan of everything you've ever done 8)
Quote from: vigilante397 on October 04, 2016, 05:17:03 PM
Darron, I've said it before and I'll say it again; I'm a huge fan of everything you've ever done 8)
Second that!
Quote from: vigilante397 on October 04, 2016, 05:17:03 PM
Darron, I've said it before and I'll say it again; I'm a huge fan of everything you've ever done 8)
I make mine your words!!! Third that! 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
thanks guys. looks like lasers are picking up. glad to share in the fun.
Holy moly. Those are incredible darron.
Plus. Lasers and stuff.
Here I am getting my hands dirty and shortening my lifespan etching with chemicals like a chump!
lasers rock! thanks!
originally acid etches were my favourite tack for an enclosure, by far. but i always had trouble getting perfect resists, so i actually bought the laser thinking it would just help me with acid etching. dunno where the idea changed.
repost from the main pictures thread:
(http://www.dazatronyx.com/forums_etc/stereo-panning-optical-tremolo.jpg)
(http://www.dazatronyx.com/little-fetish/little-fetish.jpg)
(http://www.dazatronyx.com/forums_etc/little-fetish-guts.jpg)
Cool Darron.
Is it a mini fetish booster?
Such a cool circuit. I love mine.
Where's the paisley? I came here expecting paisley.
Such neat work man
Rich
Quote from: Kipper4 on April 10, 2017, 03:46:55 PM
Cool Darron.
Is it a mini fetish booster?
Such a cool circuit. I love mine.
Where's the paisley? I came here expecting paisley.
Such neat work man
Rich
(https://img.memesuper.com/3dd3893e006b5bdea0120023deca7847_krieger-yep-yepyep-krieger-yep-yep-yep-meme_400-400.jpeg)
thanks mate :D
Here's my latest etch.
It's a Wampler Euphoria, and it will be on my board for a long time.
Epilog Helix 75W, etching Krylon Dual spray paint, no clear.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4169/34613436126_a23df41d29_c.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4194/33811625664_c6dcf37988_z.jpg)
Adam
Deleted. Posted in wrong place
My latest build proco rat first with my own layout couple of things to improve but happy for a first
(https://i.imgur.com/bvnbb9l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/27XkMEE.jpg)
Quote from: 2006ug on May 18, 2017, 01:14:32 PM
Here's my latest etch.
It's a Wampler Euphoria, and it will be on my board for a long time.
Epilog Helix 75W, etching Krylon Dual spray paint, no clear.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4169/34613436126_a23df41d29_c.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4194/33811625664_c6dcf37988_z.jpg)
Adam
75W? :icon_eek: And here I was thinking my 2.5W machine was plenty of power :P Great looking build though. 8)
(http://www.dazatronyx.com/optical-tremolo-1590a/optical-tremolo-1590a-fire.jpg)
Just bought a Sculpfun 20W diode laser, are there any people around here engraving enclosures with a diode laser?
I have an Epilogue Mini bought in 2005. Co2.
General tips,
Fume removal
Ease of Focus
Safety ,don't cut you fingers off, careful with your eyes
Positioning / fixturing the work
Material, NO pvc
Acrylic, Cast engraves best, Extruded cuts best
Will not cut metal
CerMark is cool stuff for marking metal
Quote from: 2006ug on May 18, 2017, 01:14:32 PM
Here's my latest etch.
It's a Wampler Euphoria, and it will be on my board for a long time.
Epilog Helix 75W, etching Krylon Dual spray paint, no clear.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4169/34613436126_a23df41d29_c.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4194/33811625664_c6dcf37988_z.jpg)
Adam
How do you do it? Do you paint the entire top in Krylon and then etch away the paint? Great looking technique.
I'll chime in on this,
Yes, etch thru the paint.
I'm making a wedding present using paint on slate and etching thru it.
Etching large areas isn't the best because it can leave lines depending on the resolution.
But text and art come out great.
I have not tried etching painted aluminum boxes, but it would and does work well.
Remember, no PVC, not that I know of any pvc paint.. Pvc = hydrochloric acid.
Quote from: Toy Sun on April 16, 2023, 05:38:27 PM
Quote from: 2006ug on May 18, 2017, 01:14:32 PM
Here's my latest etch...
How do you do it? Do you paint the entire top in Krylon and then etch away the paint? Great looking technique.
My guess on that is the black is the etched out area. Unpainted enclosure etched first then painted black and finally the black paint sanded off the high unetched portions of the enclosure.
Actually upon further inspection, it looks like a face plate.
With laser etched (removed) paint.
I don't think it's a faceplate (that's my specialty!). I know that non-reversed paint removal can yield great results, but I think the laser settings have to be absolutely perfect. Enough to remove the paint, but not so much that the substrate is scarred.
Zoom in on the edges.
The original poster of that pedal only has four posts, talks about using his laser and painting of the enclosures.
Do more people use the paint removal technique with their laser cutter/engraver?
I have a 20W diode laser, so that doesn't have enough oomph (I assume) to actually engrave bare aluminium (and that might damage the optics, I think).
Keen on seeing results and hearing experiences/ laser settings.
I like the laser Goldfinger used.
James Bond: Do you expect me to talk?
Goldfinger: No, Mr. Bond. I expect you to die."
Laser etch paint / rust removal .. Watch the video here
Now that is what I call etching.
Anyoneone got experience with engraving enclosures with a diode laser?
See most people are using Co2, but wonder if anyone has had much success with lower-powered diode lasers as I just got a 10W laser and it seems to be able to strip the powder coating of a Hammond box, but thought I would ask for advice here before messing up a bunch of enclosures.
Dead simple passive volume/tone cut. Planning a knob-less P-bass, but still need a bit of control (like when I switch from fingerstyle to pick).
CO2 laser. One mistake, the "V" and "T" labels are too close to the pot holes. I will need to use some small knobs. It is a professionally painted box. Some white craft paint smeared into the etchings, then rattle-can lacquer.
(https://i.postimg.cc/VJhkqZGM/Tweaker.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VJhkqZGM)
Quote from: Jarno on April 18, 2023, 07:09:37 AM
Do more people use the paint removal technique with their laser cutter/engraver?
I have a 20W diode laser, so that doesn't have enough oomph (I assume) to actually engrave bare aluminium (and that might damage the optics, I think).
Keen on seeing results and hearing experiences/ laser settings.
I do a ton of backpainted (acrylic paint) acrylic plate from the back (reversed graphics) and fill etched areas with paint. Acrylic, paint one side with acrylic paint (will need a few coats), etch from the painted side (reverse all content) On my Glowforge, engrave 450/12/2x and then either leave the etched clear, where you can backlight with LEDs, or fill with a contrasting color - I use a toothpick to blob the paint in.
(https://i.postimg.cc/9rjGd9yt/9e5137aec6bb25c2982dc0bdd69f5281cc16e8f2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9rjGd9yt)
That is pretty cool, what thickness acrylic sheet are you using? I sometimes use 3mm (about 1/16") to make frontpanels for modular synth modules, but always use opaque material and then engrave the front side and fill in with paint (messy, lots of cleaning needed, especially matte material is a PITA).
Romark Reverse Lasermark is an option also Clear Cast.
IPI and Rowmark have many reverse laser able acrylic sheets.
Many colors. back side has the color over a clear acrylic.
Quote from: Jarno on June 07, 2023, 08:21:20 AM
That is pretty cool, what thickness acrylic sheet are you using? I sometimes use 3mm (about 1/16") to make frontpanels for modular synth modules, but always use opaque material and then engrave the front side and fill in with paint (messy, lots of cleaning needed, especially matte material is a PITA).
Why not just flood the engraving with paint then when the paint dries sand it off and buff the acrylic back to whatever luster you need?
Not so easy to buff the acrylic back up after sanding, it is soft so it smears. But then again, on high gloss it is not an issue as the paint can be cleaned off quite easily, it is the matte materials that are hard to clean, and for those sanding might be an option.
Easiest is to front engrave, and then use a sharpie, cleaning off excess with a bit of rubbing alcohol.
But I think rear engraving will look pretty classy, so I am giving that a try too (ordered some 0.8mm clear acrylic yesterday).
Did also order something similar to that lasermark stuff as well, keen on seeing how well that engraves, it is black with a white center. Do not recall what material it is made off, but I have cut pickguard material on my lasercutter, and that is not great, it works, but you should compensate for some melting or it will be too small.
Google "Rowmark reverse lasermark examples" look at images.
Same with Rowmark clear cast"
Some show backing filling with acrylic paint.
Cast acrylic, not extruded, is what works best on a laser.
Kerf is about 0.006 inches when properly focused.
To test this, cut a line in your material and measure the width of the cut.
I offset outside dimensions by +0.006, and inside cuts by -0.006.
On thin material I am cutting +/- 0.001
On thick, 10mm, there will be an angle which you just have to deal with.
Painting on clear acrylic ? It's an option but why not get the good stuff.
I do paint on slate, but that is another project.
Cutting nylon, not the best, other plastics, not great either, PVC NEVER !
Just tried laser marking of a painted enclosure.
Quite light so next time I'll up the power.
On my 20W optical diodelaser, I had 1500mm/min at 40% for fill, and 1500mm/min at 65% for line engraving.
Have a picture, but need to figure out how to post it here, only links to hosting allowed, no direct uploading, I suppose.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/1ke4r238wxksqhp/20230610_112743.jpg)
95% power, go for it.
Get er done.
Didn't want to turn it into a big 'ole charred mess, but yes, next time moar power! :)
Tip of the day,
Power Test samples.
Then go for it.
Ain't nobody got time for that :)
Finally made time for that...
Really didn't make a lot of difference, you just need to apply enough power, any more does not make a difference, because the diode laser is not going to make a dent in the injection moulded aluminium.
Enough to ablate the paint, fast enough so no charring occurs and you are good.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/x5n8s16h816s6je/20230625_153700.jpg)
Top to bottom is light to heavy.
Pictures don't work for me, for some reason.
I had 2000mm/min and 65% power, for both line and fill engraving, on S30 pro max.